South Africa: Parliament On Incorrect Reports of Condemnation of Minister Mbalula

The Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation has noted with concern the incorrect and sensational claims made in an online media report alleging condemnation by Parliament of Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, over a "spat" with Olympic javelin thrower, Ms Sunette Viljoen.

The Committee issued no such condemnation. The inaccurate reference in the headline of the report was an unfortunate exaggeration.

A journalist sought the Committee's view on what her publication called a "twitter battle" between Minister Mbalula and Ms Viljoen and further asked if the Committee condoned "public spats."

A draft response, which the Chairperson of the Committee neither saw nor approved, made no reference to "condemnation" of the Minister. This is regretted.

The Committee has always welcomed the efforts by Minister Mbalula to acknowledge the achievements of South African teams. The Committee also has full confidence in the professionalism that the Ministry has displayed in handling departmental matters, including the welfare of athletes.

Parliament is a legislative organ with a responsibility to conduct oversight over state departments. As such the Committee does not have any responsibility to get involved in the operations of departments. It also does not comment on matters which have not been tabled before it.